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Gaines Leroy Rinehart 86, of Bellefontaine, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, at Mary Rutan Hospital.
He was born Dec. 31, 1929, in Mt. Gilead, to the late Ralph and Clara Merwine Rinehart. Mr. Rinehart also was preceded in death by a sister, Eileen Ghent.
After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in France, where he met his wife of 62 years, Paulette Vidal, who survives.
His last duty assignment was the 664th AC&W Radar Station at Campbell Hill in Bellefontaine. He retired after 21 years of service. Following his retirement, he was a clerk at the Bellefontaine Post Office, and later, was the postmaster of the Middleburg Post Office. In 1979, he went to Germany to continue his federal career with the Army Postal Finance Unit. He retired with 25 years of federal service.
Mr. Rinehart was an active member of the 664th Radar Squadron Reunion Committee and the Treasurer of NARFE Branch 2162.
He also is survived by his sister, Betty Bennett; children, Catherine (Larry) Eckhardt, Patricia Rinehart-Irwin, Paul (Amy) Rinehart and Evangeline Rinehart; grandchildren, Kelly (Corey) Tomlinson, Jessica (Dave) Parson, Clara (Tony) Tice, Megan (Paul Finfrock) Irwin, Christian Golden, Jacob and Emily Rinehart; and six great-grandchildren.
He was liked by all and will be missed by his family.
A gathering of family and friends is from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Jennings Farley Funeral Home & Crematory, West Liberty, with honors by the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made be made to the Air Force Radar Museum Association or The Top of Ohio Pet Shelter.
Condolences may be expressed www.jenningsfarley.com.